The Normale is the Tank to own. The original, introduced in 1917, was designed with the Renault FT-17 tank in mind. The 78093 is the Normale reference from the 70s and 80s. It features a manually wound movement and can be seen with both Paris and Swiss dials. This one, on the other hand, is on a whole other level. A factory diamond case and faceted crown confirmed all original from the service done in 2022 by Cartier. A beautiful version of a classic, the single row diamonds are perfect for a watch like this. Even though this is the small size, and it is pretty flashy, I would be lying if I told you I didn't wear this watch and enjoy it.
The Tank - Louis Cartier, the founder of the Cartier Tank, invented the iconic model in 1917, paying homage to the Renault FT-17, a French tank used during World War I. The Tank's design was inspired by Renault's modern lines and was gifted to U.S. General John Pershing in 1918. The Tank debuted in 1919 and gained popularity in the early 1920s. The brand has a variety of modern-day models, including the Tank Anglaise, which features a case-incorporated winding mechanism and quartz movement; the Tank Louis Cartier, which features rounded lugs and a skeleton case; the Tank Americaine, which is an elongated version of the classic, the Tank Francaise, which is the sportiest, the Tank MC, which is the most masculine, and the Tank Solo, which showcases the best of the model. The Cartier Tank has been in production longer than most watches, making it an iconic masterpiece that combines classic design with modern principles.
